Can you get a bulk billed ultrasound with a referral from a physio, podiatrist, osteopath or chiropractor?
In short: Medicare only allows bulk billed ultrasound services if the referral comes from an eligible provider, usually a GP. While podiatrists may only refer for ultrasounds of the ankle, foot or skin lumps. Physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors cannot refer for Medicare-funded ultrasounds, meaning the scan must be paid privately. Knowing this upfront helps avoid confusion, cancellations, and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
A bulk billed ultrasound means the cost of your scan is fully covered by Medicare, so there’s no out-of-pocket fee, but only if you have a referral from an eligible provider. A doctor can refer for any ultrasound and a podiatrist for ankles, feet and skin lumps.
At Capri Ultrasound on the Gold Coast, we bulk bill Medicare card holders for ultrasounds when referred by a doctor and for those ultrasounds podiatrists can refer. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware that not all healthcare providers can issue valid referrals for bulk billed ultrasound services.
This is one of the most common sources of confusion we see. While physiotherapists can recommend imaging as part of their care, Medicare does not accept physiotherapy referrals for ultrasounds. If you’ve been referred by a physio, your scan will not be bulk billed, and you’ll need to pay privately, in this case we’d recommend speaking with your GP, specialist or online doctor about getting a Medicare-eligible referral.
This applies to:
Regardless of the scan type, physiotherapists cannot refer for a bulk billed ultrasound under current Medicare guidelines.
Similarly, chiropractors and osteopaths cannot refer for bulk billed ultrasound scans. While they are qualified allied health professionals, they fall outside the scope of Medicare’s ultrasound imaging referral eligibility.
This can lead to frustration for patients especially when they arrive expecting a bulk billed service based on a non-Medicare referral. At Capri Ultrasound, we do our best to clarify this ahead of time to avoid cancellations and ensure a smooth patient experience.
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the situation. Podiatrists are one of the few allied health providers who can refer for certain Medicare-funded ultrasound scans, but only for:
Here’s a simple breakdown of who can and can’t refer you for a bulk billed ultrasound under Medicare:
| Healthcare Provider | Can Refer for Bulk Billed Ultrasound? |
| General Practitioner (GP) | ✅ Yes |
| Specialist Doctor (e.g. Cardiologist) | ✅ Yes |
| Podiatrist | ✅ For ankle, foot and skin lumps only |
| Physiotherapist | ❌ No |
| Chiropractor | ❌ No |
| Osteopath | ❌ No |
Patients often search terms like:
But the real issue isn’t just location, it’s referral eligibility. To avoid unexpected costs:
Being informed saves time, money, and stress.
At Capri Ultrasound, located in Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast, we provide accurate, high-quality imaging and clear information upfront. We bulk bill Medicare card holders with GP or specialist referrals and from podiatrists for the ultrasounds outlined above. While we’re happy to accept referrals from physios or other providers, these scans are not eligible for bulk billing and must be paid privately. By making referral guidelines more transparent, we help patients avoid surprises and ensure smoother, stress-free appointments.
Need a scan but unsure if you’re eligible for a bulk billed ultrasound? We recommend speaking with your GP or online doctor to get a valid referral.
